STD Testing in Chicago, IL

At-Home STD Testing

Testing for STDs at home is safe, convenient, and private. Performed regularly, it can help you stay healthy and avoid unknowingly transmitting STDs.

You have many options for at-home STD testing. The best at-home STD tests are FDA approved and evaluated for safety and accuracy with fast result turnaround times and support from health care professionals.

At-home STD testing kits should include instructions for collection and test registration, along with materials such as containers and swabs to collect and send your sample to the lab. Most at-home STD tests offer results in about five days through a secure online patient portal.

Chlamydia is the most common STD in both the United States and Chicago. In 2017, there were 30,292 newly reported chlamydia cases in Chicago, which corresponds to a rate of 1,122.4 per 100,000 people. This is the highest reported case count in the city to date. Women accounted for about 60% of cases. While chlamydia is most common among young adults, there has been an increase in cases among adults 50 and over. Between 2013 and 2017, the number of reported cases increased by nearly 150%.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) remain one of the most critical public health challenges facing the United States, with approximately 26 million new STD infections occurring every year. Nearly half of these new infections affect young people ages 15 to 24.

Community-based organizations are a vital first line of defense in the fight against STDs and HIV/AIDS in particular. They generate awareness and foster social change while providing access to testing and treatment.

You may not be aware of all the STD resources available in Chicago that can help prevent the spread of STDs. Get connected with these community organizations that are leading the fight against STDs and HIV/AIDS with resources and support:

The city’s Department of Public Health operates several walk-in specialty clinics that provide STD testing and treatment. They are equipped with on-site lab testing and dispensing of medications for STDs like herpes, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. The clinics accept most types of health insurance but are dedicated to providing high-quality care, regardless of clients’ ability to pay. Appointments are not accepted at these clinics, and clients are seen on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once patient capacity has been reached for the day, clients may still have lab tests drawn as long as they arrive at least one hour prior to closing.

200 E. 115th Street
Chicago, IL 60628
312-747-0054
Chicago.gov

Howard Brown Health is a walk-in clinic that provides confidential and comprehensive health services, including primary care, pediatric services, smoking cessation counseling, and STD and HIV services. Upon arrival, clients complete brief registration paperwork and are placed on the walk-in clinic schedule to meet with a registered nurse or health educator. Depending on the type of services received, clinic visits typically last between 45-60 minutes. The clinic provides screening for infections like syphilis; gonorrhea; hepatitis A, B, and C; herpes; and trichomoniasis. Results are available within seven business days of the visit, and clients are only contacted if their results are positive. Some services are available for free, and all others are charged based on a sliding scale to ensure service to everyone, regardless of insurance coverage. Howard Brown Health has two location that offer sexual health testing, Sheridan and 63rd St., both of which are open Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

4025 North Sheridan Road
Chicago, IL 60613
773-388-1600
Howardbrown.org

AHF Wellness Center’s Chicago locations provide STD testing for common infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV. Clients are seen by testing counselors on a walk-in basis, and all testing is confidential. All STD tests are free and typically take about 30 minutes, though wait times may vary depending on the time of day. In most cases, results are available within three to seven days, and all clients who test positive receive their results over the phone. AHF has two locations in Chicago, Michigan Ave. and Halsted. The Michigan Ave. location is open Monday and Thursday, 4 – 7:30 p.m., and the Halsted location is open Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

2600 South Michigan Avenue, Suite LL-D
Chicago, IL 60616
312-881-3050
Freestdcheck.org

Quest Diagnostics provides affordable testing for a wide variety of diseases and infections, including STDs. It offers a comprehensive 10-test STD panel tests for the 10 most common viral and bacterial STDs in the country. Clients who are concerned about a specific infection or want to determine if an STD has cleared after treatment may opt for individual tests for STDs such as those for syphilis, herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. While it’s not necessary for clients to schedule an appointment for their testing, test clinics are not able to accept payment, so payment must be submitted online or over the phone before going to the testing center. In most cases, test results are available within 48 hours. The clinic is open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

111 North Wabash Avenue, Suite #1514
Chicago, IL 60602
866-278-3913
Stdcheck.com

• Chicago Dept of Public Health | HIV/STI Surveillance Report 2018 Last Accessed April 2021
• Chicago Dept of Public Health | STI/HIV Testing and Treatment Last Accessed April 2021
• CDC | STD Surveillance Report 2018 Last Accessed April 2021